Sigh

*exhale of air*

MEME

Okay, since I am, like others, overly carbed etc to post a coherent post,
The Post Christmas meme (that is...post first day of Christmas meme)

1. What is the best gift you received this year? (Tangible gifts only, please!)
Hmm, it may not be the most exciting gift but the most special is a scarf that I received from my friend/Pastor's daughter. I love scarves, I feel like they are very personal when given by someone who is dear to you. I think of each person whenever I wear a scarf or gloves that I've been given.

2. What is the best gift you gave this year?
Hmmm. I'm very proud of a peruvian nativity that I gave to my young cousin who will be entering college next year studying languages....
I think the coat, socks, sweatshirt, hair accessories I bought for our adopted family at church were the most needed and appreciated though.

3. When did you do most of your shopping/creating?
I did a ton of my shopping at agreatergift.org in late November/early December.

4. Did you go shopping the day after Thanksgiving (U.S.)? Today?
I purchased some shirts at Old Navy for my brother the day after Thanksgiving..it was on the way home. Today...yes....my favorite quality shirts for $15 a piece? yes. I needed a changing of the guard shirtwise.

5. What stands out already about Christmas 2005?
How special and meaningful it was to me. Oh hmm....this could lead to a blog..yes...coming in 20 minutes.....

Side Dish

Are ya'll familiar with:
If There Were No Lutherans Would There Still Be Green Jell-o?

Primero

Well, here's the real starter post.

I was doing a google search a day or so before advent began. I googled "advent devotions".

What I found would change a few things. One, my daily web routine. Two, my advent.
I found RevGalBlogPals via St. Casserole's blog...and their wonderful advent devotional : A Light Blazing.....

The book, I ordered straight away. I was so pleased when it arrived a few days later. It's been such a wonderful companion to each day of this season. I've read so many other devotions that seem rather vanilla and disconnected. These are so personal and I feel as though each and every contributer has come over to my house to read their devotion that day. I feel even more that way when I go online and read their blogs. In a time when, in my early twenties, I've finally and truly connected to my faith it is so warming to find people like this community who can reaffirm and declare what I feel.

Sigh, okay...well there. Just dipped my toes in the water and it seems warm.

Merry Christmas!